Earth is the natural element of the Health zone in feng shui, as it is the nurturing, nourishment-producing element from which we are fed and cared for.

So I Need A Bunch of Dirt In My House?

Certainly not! As we've learned, misplaced dirt and clutter causes negative energy. While we tend to think of the word "earth" as either clumps of dirt or the planetary body as a whole, in feng shui the term has more to do with the above depictions of the earth as a nourishing, stabilizing force. Items used to represent the Earth element in your home are created from refined earth.

Any of these can be utilized in Feng Shui design to bring the Earth element theme into play, especially useful in the Health area.

Fixing "Earth" Problems

1. Center Earth When Possible. When you place an Earth object to stabilize an area, it's doubly helpful to "mirror" the intent by setting the item in the center of the space--the natural "Health" location of the feng shui octagon. For instance, if setting a small statue on top of a table in the Health area, try to place it in the center of the table. This is the most stable position, so reinforces Earth's natural intent.2. Avoid Non-Earth-Loving Areas.Minimize Earth elements in your home's natural Wood (Wood penetrates Earth) and Water (Earth absorbs/blocks Water) areas. (As per prior discussions, we learned that Wood is the natural element of the Family area, and Earth is the natural element of the Career area.3. Repair/Eliminate "Broken" Earth. Cracked/chipped vases, statues, etc. interfere with your stable foundation and should be removed from use. 6. Don't Go Overboard. Some Earth is good. Too much can block your path--like a mountain in the road to progress.

Do I Have Too Much Earth?

There is a necessary balance for all elements to coexist harmoniously. If you have a whole lot of Earth-based jars, statues, or other decor, thin the ranks. Choose your favorites and retire others. Rotate them from time to time if you can't bring yourself to part with them. Less is more in feng shui. Use the above locations as a guide to where to centralize--and avoid--your Earthen items.

Have fun exploring the ways this element can enhance your chi!

~~~~~Romance writer duties call!! I hope you've enjoyed Feng Shui Friday. Have a tip or dilemma to share? Please post in the comments! Until next time, may you find the magic within that brings the grounding force of positive earth chi your way!

Helpful if your kitchen falls in the health zone, too! And yes, tile floors count as well. This kind of elemental application is handy when doing a simple five element, large scale approach to balancing your decor.